DENHAM SPRINGS, La. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has welcomed the Entergy Operations Denham Springs Service Center in Denham Springs, La., into the prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) at the highest, or "star," level.

Bruce Stark and Will Hebert from OSHA's area office in Baton Rouge, La., attended the recognition ceremony, which was held in Baton Rouge.

"Entergy Operations Denham Springs Service Center has demonstrated excellence in effective safety and health management," said OSHA Regional Administrator Dean W. McDaniel in Dallas. "The center's outstanding efforts include maintaining an injury and illness rate that is 27 percent below the national average for its industry."

The Entergy Denham Springs Service Center operates and maintains power lines that provide electricity to both residential and commercial customers in Livingston Parish, including the cities of Denham Springs and Walker. The company employs about 18 people in Denham Springs that construct and repair power lines, provide meter service and istall street lights in the surrounding area.

More than 1,940 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Requirements include a high degree of management support and employee involvement, a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, prevention and control programs, and comprehensive safety and health training for all employees. Each of these elements must be effective, in place and in operation for at least one year before a compny can apply to join the VPP. Companies in the VPP achieve average injury rates lower than other companies in their respective industries.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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